Nigeria village raid death toll disputed at 40
Amnesty International says 40 people died in the Binnari assault, while police confirmed 10 bodies and residents reported at least 20.
By Aiko Soto ·
Armed men on motorcycles attacked Binnari village in Taraba State, Nigeria, on Friday.
Police stated that 10 bodies were recovered by Friday evening following the raid. The officers noted that the attackers looted food from local shops during the assault.
Other groups report a higher number of casualties. Survivors told the AFP news agency that at least 20 people died. Amnesty International said in a statement on Saturday that 40 people were killed. The human rights group added that police initially confirmed 10 deaths, but more bodies were found later on Saturday.
Residents described the timing and scale of the attack. Gunmen opened fire just after Friday prayers. Sa'idu Nuhu, a Binnari resident, told AFP that more than 20 bodies were counted after the attackers left. He said some people were still missing. Isiyaku Musa, another resident, also put the death toll at no fewer than 20.
Malam Abubakar Saifullahi, a community leader, said the assailants arrived on about 50 motorcycles. He stated that two men rode on each bike before raiding the village. Saifullahi told AFP that the group looted cash, foodstuffs, and other provisions. He added that they took motorcycles abandoned by people fleeing the scene.
Amnesty International criticized the Nigerian authorities for leaving rural communities at the mercy of gunmen. The group said these actors are repeatedly committing atrocities with impunity. Banditry has grown in northwest and central Nigeria, where gangs clash with police and military forces. Taraba faces similar threats from groups that raid villages, kidnap people for ransom, and levy taxes on farmers and miners.
The Nigerian military reported a separate air strike in Borno State on Saturday. Officials said the attack killed 15 terrorists in the northeastern region.
